Man Gets 15 Years For DUI Manslaughter Of Century Resident
October 3, 2013
A Milton man has been sentenced to prison for the death of a Century man in a traffic crash last January.
William Samuel Stapleton, Jr., 48, was sentenced to 15 years in state prison on charges of DUI manslaughter, and driving while license suspended causing death.
Charles Terry Griffis, 50, was pronounced deceased at the scene of the 9:20 p.m. crash January 9 on Highway 87 about seven miles north of Milton. Griffis was a passenger in a car driven by Stapleton.
The Florida Highway Patrol said Stapleton was northbound on Highway 87 when he lost control and struck a tree. Stapleton was charged in April after the Florida Highway Patrol completed their traffic homicide investigation.
Griffis was a 1980 graduate of Century High School and was formerly employed as welder.
Miller: House Continues Its Work To End The Government Shutdown
October 3, 2013
submitted by U.S. Congressman Jeff Miller of Florida’s 1st District
Monday evening, the House passed a third Continuing Resolution that would keep the government open, protect the American people from Obamacare, and ensure that Members of Congress and the President do not get special treatment by overturning the President’s decision to extend healthcare subsidies for Congress.
Despite the fact that this bill passed with bipartisan support, Senate Democrats immediately rejected it. The House stayed in session past midnight, however, passing an additional measure to form a conference committee between the House and Senate to resolve our differences and keep the government running. A conference committee is intended to allow the House and Senate to sit down, roll up our sleeves and resolve our differences. But, once again, Senate Democrats rejected this proposal. House Republicans have given the Senate three viable alternatives to prevent and now end a shutdown. Yet the Senate refuses to join us at the table to work to reopen our government.
With Senate Democrats unwilling to negotiate, the House has continued to work and pass smaller targeted bills to reopen portions of the government. We passed the first of these bills over the weekend with H.R. 3210, the Pay Our Military Act, which was designed to ensure that all military members, including reserve components, and Department of Defense (DoD) civilian personnel are paid on time. Thanks to the House-led effort the Senate also passed this bill and it was signed into law by the President. Unfortunately, despite the fact that the clear intent of Congress was to keep the Department of Defense completely open, with all employees still on the job, the Administration decided to interpret the law to furlough civilians and cause unnecessary pain to hard-working Americans. I don’t think this is an acceptable decision and that is why I led a letter signed by 67 of my colleagues that was sent to Secretary of Defense Hagel, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Beers, and Office of Management and Budget Director Burwell calling on them to return all furloughed DoD employees back to work without delay.
The House continued its efforts to reopen the government yesterday with three bills. The first of these bills, the Honoring our Promise to America’s Veterans Act, makes sure that all commitments made by VA to our Nation’s veterans are fulfilled. Our veterans have earned these benefits and they should in no way be in jeopardy. While there has been no current lapse in veterans’ benefits, VA has informed Congress that they will be unable to make any payments starting in November. We cannot allow this to happen, and that is why the House acted and passed a clean bill, the Honoring our Promise to America’s Veterans Act.
The House also voted on the Open Our National Parks and Museums Act to ensure that Americans have access to national parks and museums. As we saw on Monday, the Park Service decided to barricade national parks across the country. This included the World War II Memorial here in Washington. But these barricades could not stop a group of World War II veterans from Mississippi who had taken an Honor Flight to come to Washington and rightly removed the barricades to see their memorial.
Finally, the House voted on the Local Funding for DC Act, which would allow the government of the District of Columbia to use local funds, but no federal dollars, to pay for their local government operations.
In order to expedite the passage of these important bills, the House brought them up under a suspension of the rules, which requires a two-thirds majority for passage. Despite the fact Republicans overwhelmingly supported these measures, we were not joined by a sufficient number of Democrats to gain a two-thirds majority, and they did not pass. These bills will be brought up again, this time requiring a simple majority for passage.
As these measures demonstrate, House Republicans will continue our efforts to get the government running again and make sure that Members of Congress are forced to abide by the same rules as the rest of the American people. The failure of the Senate to act on any of these measures proves that Harry Reid and Senate Democrats are more than happy to slam the door on our federal government and lock it by refusing to meet with the House.
The House remained in session today to pass more measures to reopen parts of our government. Unfortunately, the President issued a veto threat against the House-passed targeted funding bills, calling into question whether or not the President wants to help solve the problem or simply make it worse. I will continue to offer updates from Washington as the situation develops, and I can assure you that I remain committed to finding a solution to reopen the government as soon as possible, while also protecting Americans from Obamacare.
Government Shutdown Slow To Affect State Agencies
October 3, 2013
For now, Florida’s state agencies appear to be avoiding the worst of the partial shutdown that has caused a good deal of the federal government to grind to a halt.
Of course, the state budget passed months ago by lawmakers won’t change because of the disagreement between congressional Republicans, who want to tie continuing funding for the federal government to changes in the national health-care law, and President Barack Obama, who rejects that connection.
But that state spending plan draws more than 35 percent of its funding from federal sources, some of which could be imperiled if the shutdown drags on. For now, though, state agencies appear to be situated to ride out a short closing.
A spokeswoman for Gov. Rick Scott didn’t directly respond to a question about whether his office has a list of state programs that could be affected by a shutdown, but said the state is keeping an eye on the situation.
“We are working closely with our agencies to monitor any potential state impact,” spokeswoman Jackie Schutz wrote in an email.
Some state services aren’t affected at all. Secretary of State Ken Detzner used reports that federal historic sites and parks were closing to point out that Florida’s remain open.
“While politicians in Washington, D.C., sort out the budget crisis, the Florida Department of State employees continue to offer quality customer care to the public at our facilities,” he said in a statement issued by his office.
Other agencies are having to watch Washington.
For example, the Department of Children and Families has been told by federal authorities that nutrition programs, like food stamps, will be funded until the end of the month, department spokeswoman Alexis Lambert said. And Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, which helps provide cash for low-income Floridians, won’t be affected.
“If funding lapses, we are committed to doing all we can to work with the states, the District of Columbia (DC), territories, and tribes to ensure that vulnerable families and children have access to needed benefits and services during this period,” wrote former Florida official George Sheldon, an acting assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in a letter to state officials.
Other programs also largely appear safe, according to a report from Federal Funds Information for States, a Washington, D.C.-based group. Medicaid, some transportation spending and some education programs will keep money flowing to the state.
But some transportation projects could lack the needed checks for environmental or legal impacts, and state or local governments won’t get reimbursed for work on some projects, the report says. Some Head Start programs will likely be forced to shutter themselves until a deal is struck.
And the effects could grow worse as time passes. The U.S. Department of Education warned in its contingency plan for a shutdown, dated Sept. 27, that funding could become more scarce if the showdown in Washington continues.
“A protracted delay in department obligations and payments beyond one week would severely curtail the cash flow to school districts, colleges and universities, and vocational rehabilitation agencies that depend on the department’s funds to support their services,” the plan said.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Carters Named Escambia County Outstanding Farm Family
October 3, 2013
The Matt Carter Family has been named the 2013 Escambia County Outstanding Farm Family.
Matt has been married for eight years to Dawn, and they have two girls — six-year old Emily and almost-two Jayden. They work together on their farm on Byrneville Road to being the freshest, highest quality vegetables direct to local consumers at their Matt’s Produce stand and weekly at the Palafox Market in Pensacola.
Matt grew up working alongside his father, Lance Carter at Crary Dairy. As a youth, he was a member of the Northview FFA chapter and was chapter president. He is still very active in supporting agriculture as a member of the EscaRosa Young Farmers and Ranchers.
For a number of years, he worked off the farm at the West Frazier Sawmill. But when it closed in 2008, he saw the opportunity to open his own farming operation. He saw the interest for local produce steadily increasing and knew that he wanted to be a part helping to supply homegrown vegetables to Escambia County resident. His business started small with tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and zucchini which he sold at the farmstand on Byrneville Road, but quickly joined the Palafox Market to sell his product.
Over the past five years, the Carters have expanded their operation both in acreage and product variety. Throughout the year, Matt and Dawn produce peppers, tomatoes, squash, potatoes, onions, zucchini, turnips, mustards, collards, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, and butter beans. Future plans included a certified kitchen at the product stand so they can sell value added items straight to the consumer.
Want To Run For A Public Office?
October 3, 2013
The Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David H. Stafford will conduct a workshop on Wednesday, October 9 for anyone interested in running for office.
Candidates,campaign staff and volunteers are encouraged to attend. As a result of the election law changes by the legislature in 2013, there are several new provisions in Florida statutes relating to candidates and campaign finance.
The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on October 9 in the County Commission Chambers on the first floor at 221 Palafox Street.
Attendees should register with the elections office by email at qualify@escambiavotes.com, by phone at (850) 595-3908 or by mail at PO Box 12601, Pensacola, FL 32591. Include your name, the campaign you are affiliated with (if any), how many in your party will be in attendance and your e-mail address. This event is open to the public. For more information contact the Candidate Qualifying Department at (850) 595-3908.
Sgt. Shedrick Johnson Awarded Purple Heart
October 3, 2013
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Shedrick Johnson was awarded the department’s Police Purple Heart .
“Sergeant Johnson’s actions exemplify his courage, bravery, personal sacrifice and high standards which are the expectations placed on all officers of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and reflect law enforcement’s uncommon personal commitment,” Sheriff David Morgan said.
In March, Johnson responded to a house in the 8800 block of Burning Tree Road in the Scenic Hills area off Nine Mile Road in an attempt to locate a robbery suspect, later identified as Jonathan Brett Chappell, 24.
Chappell had robbed an individual at gunpoint at the Tom Thumb on Pensacola Boulevard near W Street earlier in the evening and retreated to the Scenic Hills home where his acquaintance, Finkelstein, awaited.
According to both the victim and the suspect, the robbery occurred after the two had met to make a drug deal. As deputies approached the house Finkelstein came out of the garage.Johnson identified himself as law enforcement and instructed him to show his hands. At that time Finkelstein raised a handgun and shots were fired. In the exchange of gunfire, Johnson was wounded in the leg and retreated across the street.
Finkelstein was located a short distance away and arrested by Pensacola Police officer. Shortly afterwards, Chappell exited the garage and was arrested. He was charged with armed robbery with a firearm, grand theft of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance.
Northview, West Florida JV Game Rescheduled
October 3, 2013
A junior varsity football game that was scheduled for Thursday night between Northview and West Florida high schools has been rescheduled.
The JV Northview Chiefs will now host the West Florida Jaguars on Thursday, October 24 at 6:00 p.m. in Bratt.
Pictured: The junior varsity Northview Chiefs hosted the Escambia Gators on September 26. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Northview Schedules Homecoming Parade; Entries Accepted Now
October 3, 2013
The fifth annual Northview High School Homecoming Parade has been scheduled for Friday, October 18.
The parade will line up at noon and travel from Bratt Elementary School to Northview High. Entries are being accepted now; there is no cost to enter. For a printable entry form, click here. Entries are due by Wednesday, October 16.
Contact Perry Byars at (850) 327-6681 ext. 248 for more information.
The Northview Chief’s homecoming game will kickoff at 7 p.m. on October 18 against Freeport.
Pictured: A float in the 2012 Northview High Homecoming Parade in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Man Sentenced To Prison For 2012 Shooting
October 3, 2013
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to prison in connection with a 2012 shooting.
Charles DeAnthony Moutrie, 31, was convicted by an Escambia County Jury of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and aggravated assault. Circuit Judge Scott Duncan immediately sentenced Moutrie to 10 years state prison, three of which must be served as a mandatory minimum under 10-20-Life. The sentence will run consecutive with a 10 year state prison sentence Moutrie is currently serving after being convicted of conspiracy to traffic in cocaine in April 2013.
The charges stemmed from the shooting off of Pinnacle Drive on August 29, 2012. Moutrie pulled a 9mm handgun on his girlfriend during a domestic dispute. There were 14 shell casings found in the roadway within a block from her apartment. Moutrie has numerous prior felony convictions.
State Law Enforcement Searches Pace Pharmacy
October 3, 2013
A Pace Pharmacy was searched by state law enforcement agencies Wednesday amid allegations of financial fraud.
The Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Insurance Fraud and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement searched financial records of the Burklow Pharmacy on Woodbine Road. Officers arrived at the pharmacy about 9 a.m. and remained into the afternoon. The home of the owner, Steven Burklow, was also reportedly searched.
The allegations reportedly center around improper billing. Any information gathered will be presented to the State Attorney’s Office for review.
Pictured: Yellow tape prevents access to the Burklow Pharmacy in Pace Wednesday as state authorities conducted a search. Photo by Rodayne Hart, WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.